A New Chapter for Niagara's Program
Niagara University announced this week that Candice Leatherwood will join the women's basketball program as an assistant coach, a move that underscores the school's commitment to elevating its competitive edge in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Leatherwood arrives after a distinguished tenure at Siena Heights University, where she guided the program to its second‑best winning percentage in school history and mentored multiple award‑winning athletes.
A Proven Track Record
During her time in Michigan, she also served as a coach for the Michigan Crossover EYBL 17U team in 2025, further honing her ability to scout talent on the national stage.
Her coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Siena Heights, progressed to head coach of the JV squad, and later saw her appointed as head coach, where she set the all‑time school record for most wins in a single season.
At Sacred Heart University, she spent three seasons as an assistant, contributing to back‑to‑back Northeast Conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths, while developing players who earned conference honors such as Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Coach Tiara Johnson's Vision
Head Coach Tiara Johnson praised Leatherwood's championship mindset, highlighting her recruiting skills and genuine passion for helping young women succeed both on and off the court.
Johnson emphasized that Leatherwood's arrival aligns with the program's goal of building a sustainable pipeline of talent and fostering a culture of excellence.
Looking Ahead
With the new coaching staff in place, the Purple Eagles aim to translate their recent progress into deeper postseason runs, leveraging Leatherwood's experience to compete more aggressively in the conference and beyond.